TOWARD THE WITHIN

With some of the more atmospheric or ambient groups, such as DCD, I always wonder how they manage to translate the music laid down on wax and build it into a concert hall. How the audiences behave is one point, but mostly if the music is able to survive the process without suffering too much modifications or even re-adaptation. Just the fact of having to build a full group (DCD is only the singing duo and the few instruments they play), avoiding the tempatation of synthetizing meny instruments, such as drum machines. Nothing of the sort really and quite a pleasant surprise, from what remains an 80's group with all its flaws, even though wze are well into the next decade. So the group built around is apparently mostly of an Irish heritage (Brendan even hiring his brother), which might be a little bit just on the ethnic side, short of a certain "batardisation" of both genres of music they play.

Starting on a great video clip accompanying the recent Yalunga track and deploying their recent world music influence, I was worried that they would forget their previous works, but such is not the case. With Sybil and Cantara, not only are the medieval folk era well represented, but also it's particularly interesting to see how the two eras intertwine. Indeed, part of DCD's charms is how they mix the medieval folk and the world music, thus giving out a completely fabulous (as in fable, rather than great) sound that takes us in a fantasy XVIIIth century mid-eastern caravanserai worlds and harems, Lisa's dulcimer helping tremendously in providing the illusion. This meddling of two world is very credible because of the two author's origins: Perry being Gaelic and Lisa's Greek and Turkish heritage; so you just know it's natural.

There are few irritating tracks such as the openly commercial American Dreaming, which is a so-called trad Irish folk inspiration, but mostly written to break the North American market. Another slightly negative point, I find that Perry sometimes lacks credibility in the more ethnic moments, particularly on the djembe during the all-percussive passages. So DCD's translation of their music went almost entirely acoustic, rather than synthesized; and we can only applaud this choice, because many other ambient groups veering towards new age music would've played it safe.

Having only ever seen the VCR, I cannot comment oh any bonuses or manner to play the concert, but I suppose it's possible to watch the concert alone without having the fairly vacuous interviews and comments from the two DCD members, Lisa's parts being particularly empty of meaning. In the VCR version, the tracks are systematically separated by interview bits, thus not allowing enough concert ambiances and cutting any band instrument tuning. But nevermind this slight problem, DCD has managed to satisfy my curiosity as far as making their music in concert and in the process, did convince me that this entry is a valid one in our beloved Archives.

MUSE - Origin Of Symmetry

Dead Can Dance is a band whose unique sound has received a lot of compliments and recognition all over the world. Here in México their music has always been well received, though their albums are (sadly) too expensive. However, since at least five years ago or so, I managed to get their music and since then I have followed and loved them.

When they were added to the site I was not really convinced because I had (have) never considered a progressive rock band, though they do have prog tendencies in some songs or albums. Anyway, if they are here, we as followers of their music and reviewers should encourage people to discover and listen to their music, because it is worth it.

This is a DVD they released back in 1995 in which one can appreciate their particular style, their use of medieval sounds, African and Irish instruments, combined with the extraordinary voice of Lisa Gerrard, and the peaceful countenance of Brendan Perry. The musicians that are here on stage also add a special flavor to the sound, because it is clear that them all are connected to each other and the music, and they enjoy it.

The concert is actually short, one as follower would expect more songs and more time of course, but the most of the themes performed here are wonderful, creating a calm and tranquil atmosphere that transport you to diverse regions in the world. It is like a travel through the continents in order to explore their roots and habits, while you are doing it, the music is keeping you alive and eager to continue.

Besides the concert, the producer of this video decided to intercalate songs with interview. Don't really know if it was a clever decision, because everyone has a different opinion. I liked it in some moments where I felt it was accurate to make a pause and put the interview, but in others it stops the great performance and cuts the course of the DVD.

My favorite songs are "Rakim", "Yullunga", "Cantara", "Oman" and the majestic Lisa's performance in "Sanvean", this last song is one of those pieces that always cause me goose bumps and even bring me to tears, beautiful. There are a couple of songs, like "American Dream" or "I Can See Now" that could have been omitted and nothing would have happened. I believe instead they could have chosen better tracks.

I like this DVD, it is also a nice way to know the band and their music, but not the best. My final grade will be three stars.

Enjoy it!